Happy Rooms Happy Kids

I can't get enough of the Cookie House Tours. So much great inspiration for the home and a wonderful resource for ideas on how to make your child's room more magical. Here are two photos of children's rooms with details I really loved. The tree bed posts are such a nice touch for a city bedroom.

Little Mermaids

What a great photo by Piotr Redlinski from this year's Coney Island Mermaid Parade. I think it really captures a certain nostalgic quality that is so much a part of the parade and Coney Island as it exists today. Hopefully the plans to rezone the area for high rises will be defeated so that little mermaids can still romp on Surf Ave.

Kitchen Remodeling

Anyone who has watched even an hours worth of programming on HGTV knows it's all about granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances when it comes to the kitchen! Or is it? I just love this wooden stove from momoll. Ah to be five years old and busy in the kitchening mixing up some delicious make believe goodness. Yes it's almost as expensive as the real thing but definitely adorable and on top of the wishlist.

Treasured Objects #1: Our Photo

Here's Brigid and I together about a month before her birth. My friend Alyssa took this picture. I wasn't in the mood to be photographed that day but now I am so glad we took photos. This turns out to be my favorite photo taken while I was pregnant. Thanks Alyssa!

Invest in Art

Yes a onesie is more practical and plastic car keys are more likely to please the little one - but someday they'll thank you for getting their art collection started. Here's a beautiful little print titled San Shui: 06 Cherry blossom from designer Yu I Chan that won't break the bank and is sure to be treasured. It's available at The Shiny Squirrel which has a great collection of affordable art. For more about Yu I Chan, visit her blog Ah-Yi, a personal favorite of mine.

Out of Africa via Target

I fell in love with this zebra rug by DwellStudio for Target as soon as I saw it. I had already created a sweet rug with Flor carpet tiles for my daughter's nursery but couldn't resist and finally broke down and bought it! It arrived yesterday, it's adorable and I'm thrilled no zebras were harmed in the making. Yeah Target for coming up with another great design partnership.

Who Knew - Whoozit

When I first saw this little guy at my baby shower I thought how bizarre and how bright! Nine months into motherhood I have embraced the notion that neutral colors will not be playing a huge role in my life for a while. And of course Whoozit was one of the first toys that scored big smiles from the little one. So now it's a big thumbs up and rates a "must have"